Latest treatments help curb urinary incontinence

In a recent national family opinion study, 35 percent of women polled said they experienced involuntary urine leakage in the last 30 days, according to Mills-Peninsula urologist Robert Hoang, M.D.

“It’s estimated that as many as 20 million women are affected by some form of bladder control problems, putting the overall cost to society over $20 billion annually,” he said.

Yet, only a fraction of those women seek treatment. “A large amount of money goes to adult diapers,” Dr. Hoang said. “If more people were treated, we could significantly reduce costs and improve quality of life.”

Treatment starts with identifying the type and severity of incontinence and evaluating the woman’s overall health and goals, he said.

“Stress incontinence causes leakage when coughing, sneezing, lifting a heavy object or exercising,” according to the doctor. “Urge incontinence — caused by an overactive bladder — gives people the feeling they have to run to the bathroom.”

Most common is a combination of the two types called mixed incontinence. “It is believed loss of muscle support in the pelvic floor, bladder changes, childbirth and aging contribute to this condition,” Dr. Hoang said.

Most often urinary incontinence can be treated with exercises, bladder management techniques, medications or a combination of treatments. “People with an overactive bladder can plan urination by the clock instead of waiting for the urge,” he said. “As the tendency for accidents decreases, trips to the bathroom can be planned farther apart.”

Kegel exercises — the first step to treating stress incontinence — work by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and triggering a reflex mechanism that tells the bladder to relax, he said.

Some women opt to have surgery for incontinence when leakage is more extreme or does not improve with noninvasive treatments.

“The most common procedure today involves placing a sling under the urethra for support,” Dr. Hoang said. “It’s attractive because it can be done less invasively than older techniques and tends to help with various types and severity of incontinence.”

Dr. Hoang and urologist David Caro, M.D., will discuss the latest treatment options for incontinence at a Wellness Center lecture March 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12/$8 age 62+. Call 696–5600 to register.

Mills-Peninsula now offers a program to help manage urinary incontinence using biofeedback. Doctor referral is required. For more information, call (650) 696 7843.